Nov. 9, 2010
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Auburn sophomore Michael Wardell concluded the fall men's tennis season strong as he captured the Musso Draw title at the Crimson Tide Fall Invitational on the campus of the University of Alabama.
"I'm very proud of Michael (Wardell) and of his strong finish at the end of the fall season," head coach Eric Shore said. "This is a great boast of confidence for him as we start looking ahead to the spring season."
Wardell, a Fort Myers, Fla., product, opened the tournament with a two-set victory over Virginia Tech's Zach Pine. Wardell took the first set with a tough 7-5 win and followed with a 6-2 second-set win to reach the quarterfinal round. There, Wardell topped Louisville's Adam Donaldson in two sets, 6-4, 6-1.
In the semifinals, Wardell faced with rival Ian Chadwell of Alabama. Chadwell took the first set 6-0, but Wardell was not finished as he responded with a 6-2 win in the second set. Wardell closed out the match with a 6-1 victory to advance to the finals.
Wardell met with Middle Tennessee's Shaun Waters in the Musso Draw finals and took the first set by a score of 6-4. Waters followed with a 6-4 win in the second set. The two battled in the final set, but Wardell came away victorious with a 7-5 victory.
The Tigers return to action in January as open the 2011 spring schedule hosting the Auburn Spring Invitational, Jan. 21-23, at the Yarbrough Tennis Center.